Brancepeth owner- trainer Norman Mason has left his options open by confirming both Red Striker and Red Ark among the 19 entries for the Racing Post Chase at Kempton on Saturday.

Red Striker will be the stable's runner provided the going is on the soft side while Red Ark waits in the wings in the event of the ground drying out.

Commanche Court, runner-up to Young Sparticus last year, heads the weights but trainer Ted Walsh isn't that keen on running him, especially if it comes up very soft.

Good ground will ensure Ad Hoc's participation in the valuable Kempton event and, though the Cheltenham Gold Cup remains a possibility for last year's Whitbread Gold Cup hero, the Martell Grand National looks a more likely spring target.

Gunther McBride, successful over the course and distance last month, has an alternative engagement in the De Vere Gold Cup at Haydock on the same day. This is the target for Streamstown who was attempting a four-timer when finishing fifth last year and returned to form at Uttoxeter recently in the National Trial.

His trainer Ferdy Murphy also runs Hindiana who has been running well and will appreciate the step up in distance.

Martin Todhunter was saddling his first runner for a month when Tarbolton Moss won at Newcastle on Saturday and plans to send Kingsmark down to Haydock on Saturday.

Also among the entries is last year's winner Frantic Tan whose trainer Nigel Twiston Davies is also represented by Buea and Bindaree.